Il Duce Orders Strict Search for Proselyte

Charges that Anna Levy, a young Athenian Jewish girl, was secretly converted to Catholicism by nuns in Tinos and has since been held in an unknown place without being allowed to communicate with the outside world have led Premier Mussolini to issue a personal order that Italy’s convents be searched, the girl’s family revealed here.

The incident has aroused antagonistic feeling in both Jewish and Catholic circles. It was placed on the records of the Greek Senate in the form of an interpellation by Senator Mavrogordatos, Salonica Venizelist. The Athens Public Prosecutor has examined the Mother Superior of the Tinos nunnery and has invited Bishop Philipucci to explain.

Influenced by Mussolini’s intervention, it was learned here, the Catholic Church in Rome is seriously concerned over the charge and is cooperating in the search for the girl.

The attorney for the Levy family has been collecting detailed information regarding alleged proselyting activities of the Tinos nuns and plans to present his findings before Athens officials.